Tyre Sizes, Tubes & Choices (Tires)

[Loan Rider]

My 1979 R65 needs new tyres for its 18" snowflake rims, if only because the current tires that it came with are over 20 years old.

The Conti Classic Attack by Continental is well reviewed, so my thought is to fit 90/90 R18 on the front, and 110/90 R18 on the rear. My question is whether anybody has done this before, because the 4.00x18 that I took off the rear was tight, and 110 is theoretically is a little wider still.

Does anybody have a 110/90 R18 on the rear of their twin shock R65?

Also, given that I'm not comfortable using the 47 year old snowflake rims tubeless, I'd appreciate experiences of those who have used them with tubes.

[Tiedie]

Yes it can be done. I am running Avon Roadrider MX ll 90/90/18 on the front with a 120/80/18 on the rear of an 84" R65LS. I live in the mountains of WNC and so far it's been a great combo. As you know it's best tochange out your tubes at the same time you do tires.
Hope this helps.

[Loan Rider]

I had already ordered before your reply, but as soon as I have refitted flywheel, clutch, gearbox, swing arm and final drive (all of which I removed to replace the crankshaft oil seal...) I know I will now be able to get the rear tyre on too. And yes, new inner tubes too. I'm looking forward to experiencing the handling on fresh rubber as soon as my resurrection of the bike is complete. Thanks.

[dogshome]

I'm on my second set of Conti classic attack. The 120 is too wide. You get about 1mm of clearance if you are lucky. Also, if it goes flat, turning the wheel (i.e. when pushing) is almost impossible. Getting it out of the swingarm is also a royal pain. FD off is easier.

110 Fitted now and that has a sensible clearance. Also using tubes.

Oh, the Contis are very robust. They handle really well, wet weather making no difference. I laugh at white lines and ridges. But they are tough to fit, long 14/16" levers required, and will need plenty of proper lube and a blast up to 100PSI to make them pop onto the rim. Yes, a lot more than Conti advise.

Good tyres 

[Loan Rider]

I've put a few hundred miles on the Conti Classic Attacks now, albeit only dry miles to date. 110/90 R18 on the rear Snowflake fits fine as you say. And actually easier to get in/out past the rear brake than the 20+ year old 4.00x18 that it replaced.

I've got tyre pressures set to 30psi front and rear, with rear springs on the centre setting. I've nothing to compare it with as I bought the bike as a non-runner (stood 20 years, neglected before that) project, but I'm pleasantly surprised at how agile it feels. It really is good fun to ride. How much of that is native to the R65, and how much is down to the tyres, I have no idea. But either way it brings a smile to my face every time I ride it, and it encourages people to stop and chat about their classic bikes as well.

[dogshome]

You should increase to 32 front and 35 rear. It will be much more stable over 50 and in the wet.

[Loan Rider]

I'm actually impressed with how stable it is at speed, although I have yet to test in the wet. I took the tyre pressures from the sticker on the bike, but of course that's for a different construction. I'll give your recommendation a try, thank you.

[Bob_Roller]

I ruined a set of tires due to my pressure gauge indicated 5-6 psi high.
I would experiment with tire pressures, to see what works for you .

[dogshome]

My car recommends 32-36 psi front and 34-41 rear. This gives quite wooly handling and wears the outer edges of the front tyres. I run 42 all round.

I bought a decent 0-50 psi gauge